Guinea formally signaled its return to the African Union during the 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, following its reinstatement in late January 2026.
The move came after the AU Peace and Security Council acknowledged the country’s political transition, including the presidential election held on December 28, 2025.
Now under the leadership of Mamadi Doumbouya, Guinea used the summit to reassert its diplomatic presence after a period of suspension, engaging in high-level meetings aimed at restoring its regional and international standing.
Among the key engagements was participation in discussions supporting a unified African candidate for the post of United Nations Secretary-General.
Economic diplomacy also featured prominently, with Guinean officials promoting the “Simandou 2040” initiative, a program designed to safeguard national control over mineral resources while advancing regional industrialization.
In a notable development, the delegation announced that Conakry will host the headquarters of the African Minerals Development Centre, reinforcing Guinea’s role in shaping continental extractive industry policies.
The summit concluded on February 15, 2026, with Foreign Minister Morissanda Kouyate leading follow-up engagements, as Guinea positioned itself as an active contributor to African integration and decision-making.
